Alternatives to detention
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Children in immigration detention page
Learn how the majority of children in immigration detention arrived in Australia by boat and that many came with family members but some arrived alone.
Transfer of asylum seekers to third countries page
The Commission's role
Asylum seekers, refugees and people in immigration detention
Over the last decade the Commission has worked to promote and protect the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and people in immigration detention. This work has included:
Rights and freedoms - right by right
As part of the development of our new website we are developing pages on human rights scrutiny by reference to each area of rights and obligations set out in the main human rights treaties which have been developed by the international community and adopted by Australia in the years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in 1948.
Tell Me About: The ‘Enhanced Screening Process’
Learn about the 'enhanced screening process' and how it's applied to unauthorised maritime arrivals to see if their claims will inhibit their removal.
Australian Government’s third country processing regime & human rights
Explore a speech delivered by the former President of the Human Rights Commission, Professor Gillian Triggs, to the Refugee Advice and Casework Service.
Tell Me About: Refugees with Adverse Security Assessments
Learn about refugees with an 'Adverse Security Assessment,' which means they cannot be returned to their country of origin for fear of persecution.
Human rights issues raised by the third country processing regime
The Commission recognises the importance of effective border management and recognises that Australia has a right as a sovereign State to exclude non-citizens from its territory. However, Australia also has international obligations in relation to asylum seekers who come here, including those who arrive by boat, which must be observed in its border management practices. This paper provides a brief outline of the recent changes and highlights the key human rights concerns raised by the third country processing regime.
Tell Me About: Bridging Visas for Asylum Seekers
1. What are bridging visas? Bridging visas are temporary visas which allow people to legally reside in the Australian community while they are applying for a longer term visa, appealing a decision relating to their visa, or making arrangements to leave Australia. Bridging visas can be granted to different groups of people, including asylum seekers who are seeking protection as refugees in Australia. Following health, identity and security checks...